PLEASE READ: Before Posting a Ryanair Thread - FAQ's!

lufcgirl

Ok, so I thought rather than a million questions about Ryanair we'd have a central place for everyone to check information before posting their question.

This is just a guide...all up to date official information can be found at http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/faqs.php?q=Search FAQs

1. Finding £1/£5 flights

Ryanair generally advise that to find the cheapest flights possible, to search for flights on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. There are of course exceptions to the rule (including public events and school holidays).

2. I've found a £0.00 flight but it's charging me taxes and on-line check in

This is because it is a special offer fare rather than promotional offer. When searching, you need to make sure that next to the date and time, it says 'Free Online Check In' next to it and then you will not be charged any additional taxes and charges (except of course for luggage, card fees)

3. I don't want to pay the credit/debit card surcharge

To avoid this, you need to get a Visa Electron card. Two banks provide these, Abbey and Halifax. Halifax is the easiest to get with the card usually being sent out within a week. If a new bank account is not for you, you can sign up online to a virtual prepaid debit card called Entropay which works in exactly the same way as Visa Electron. Full instructions on both Entropay and a Halifax bank account are on the following websites:

http://www.halifax.co.uk/bankaccounts/easycash.asp and
http://www.entropay.com/

4. Baggage Allowances

When buying a flight with Ryanair, you are automatically allocated an allowance of 10kg of hand baggage. This means it is carried onto the plane with you and stored in the overhead lockers. The dimensions of this is 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Ryanair do check this more frequently now!

You can book hold luggage onto your flight when booking with Ryanair. The charge for this is £20/€20 per return flight and weight allowance is 15kg. Again Ryanair are very specific about the weight.
Hold baggage is to be dropped at a specific 'Bag Drop' for Ryanair, hence you must go to the check-in desk.

Infants get no hand baggage allowance

5. Checking In Online

As many people are aware, from 20th May, Ryanair introduced web-checkin for all customers. This means you must print out your boarding card online and no need to visit a check-in desk, straight up to security.

You can print your boarding card up to fourteen days before you travel. If you are not in possession of your boarding card, you will be charged £40/€40 for airport check-in.

6. I've made a mistake spelling a name

The easiest thing to do is get in contact with Ryanair. If it's for example of a name spelled incorrectly, depending on the advisor it will most likely be changed for free. If it isn't and it's a whole name, Ryanair will advise you of their charge upon calling. Remember, it may just be cheaper to book another flight!

7. Contacting Ryanair

If for whatever reason you want to contact Ryanair, they do not offer an e-mail service. You must fax or write in to the following addresses.

For Complaints
Customer Service Department
PO Box 11451
Swords
Co Dublin
Ireland
Fax +353 1 8121676

For Refunds - Cancelled Flights
Ryanair Refunds Dept
PO Box 11451
Swords
Co Dublin
Ireland
Fax +353 1 8121676

According to saynoto0870, Ryanair's contact number for head office is +35318121212 and customer services is +35318121230.

8. General moneysaving with Ryanair

As this is a moneysaving website, just thought I'd offer my opinion on saving money with them. Generally the rule is if you play by Ryanair's rules you'll get a very cheap flight. If it's just a few days away, chances are you could get away with taking hand baggage (generally I take a small suitcase). Also, you don't need to purchase anything on your flight, otherwise you will be overcharged. Pop into WH Smiths beforehand and get a snack and drink to keep you going until you arrive. Don't book any extras with Ryanair unless you absolutely need to!

Ok...so I think thats all I can think of. Any other questions and answers let me know and I'll add them!

Incapuppy

Would probably be a good idea to put most of the points from PBS' 'you have not been ripped off' thread in here!

Bob_the_Saver

What are you going to do with all those hundreds of empty forum pages? Can we compost them or sell them for charity?

Incapuppy

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

What are you going to do with all those hundreds of empty forum pages? Can we compost them or sell them for charity?

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

SaverStan

Can anyone confirm whether the Travelex Cash Passport is still a Visa Electron card? It's mentioned in this article as a way of avoiding Ryanair's credit card fees:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-ryanair-flights-discount#trick

However, the FAQ on the Cash Passport website implies that it's a straight Visa card, rather than a Visa Electron card. And I know that there is some talk of Visa Electron being phased out...
http://www.cashpassport.com/1/en/uk/FAQ/#

Withdraw local currency at any Visa or Plus ATM in the world: there are more than a million to choose from and you can check their locations using the Visa ATM locator.


"Can I use my Cash Passport to purchase online?"
"You can shop to your heart’s content (and the cash limit of your card) at any retailer who accepts Visa cards. For your security you may be asked to provide the security code that’s printed on the signature strip on the back of the card."

Now I'm about to go and apply for one from a local independent travel agent that doesn't charge a fee for loading and only has a £10 minimum load - seems too good to be true! But obviously if it's not Electron any more it's a waste of time.

Thanks in advance...

richardw

Do a dummy booking and see what happens, but don't actually book.

SaverStan

richardw wrote: »

Do a dummy booking and see what happens, but don't actually book.

I don't have the card yet to do this. I'm wondering if it's worth getting the card or not.

mystic_trev

lufcgirl wrote: »

4. Baggage Allowances

When buying a flight with Ryanair, you are automatically allocated an allowance of 10kg of hand baggage. This means it is carried onto the plane with you and stored in the overhead lockers. The dimensions of this is 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Ryanair do check this more frequently now!

I've noticed something rather odd the last few times I've flown Ryanair - all from Stansted, and Ill use my last journey as an example. Hand baggage only and the GF complains Get to departures and she complains even more :rolleyes: Guess what? Loads of people with baggage far larger and heavier than Ryanair allowances - check in staff allow and not even bothered - more grief from GF :mad:

Returning home from Rimini. At the Airport go through to departure gate, watching numerous people being sent back for their oversized / overweight baggage to be paid for. Turned out that the young Lady checking boarding passes, was checking all hand baggage in the 'cage' and if it fitted, then weighing it! Pointed this out to GF and gave her that 'now do you believe me' look :rotfl:

The moral to this story is that Ryanair seem more than happy to let you exceed their allowances going out, knowing that they'll catch you on the way back.

David333

On the Entropay website, it seems to show a picture of a VISA card rather than an Electron card... . Does this mean that this tip no longer works...?

MaxTheDog_2

It still works, It's never showed the electron symbol, well not since ive had an account anyway.

David333

MaxTheDog wrote: »

It still works, It's never showed the electron symbol, well not since ive had an account anyway.

Thanks. I signed up, used it, and it works :-)